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Engine Compression

Check compression pressure with engine at normal operating temperature, all spark plugs removed (on dual spark plug, remove exhaust side only), throttle valves wide open and at specified cranking speed. On Pulsar NX SE with Direct Ignition System (DIS), disconnect power transistor harness connector. On other models, disconnect distributor harness connector.

On all models, remove fuel pump fuse before cranking engine. Crank engine at least 6 revolutions to determine engine compression. Compression reading should be as specified. See ENGINE COMPRESSION table.

ENGINE COMPRESSION

Model Standard psi (kg/cm2 ) Minimum psi (kg/cm2 ) Minimum RPM
Pathfinder & Pickup 173 (12.2) 131 (9.2) 350
Pulsar NX SE/XE 181 (13.0) 142 (10.0) 350
Sentra 181 (13.0) 142 (10.0) 350
Stanza 171 (12.0) 128 (9.0) 350
240SX (1) 192 (13.5) 142 (10.0) 300
(1) After engine code KA24-012039 specifications changed to: standard compression 175 psi (12.3 kg/cm2 ) and minimum compression 146 psi (10.3 kg/cm2 ).